Siderail assembly

ABSTRACT

A siderail assembly comprises a siderail body, a siderail linkage, and a locking mechanism. The siderail linkage is configured to movably couple the siderail body to a frame of a person-support apparatus. The siderail linkage is configured to move the siderail body between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The siderail linkage includes a guide member. The locking mechanism includes a housing with a slot that defines a guide. The guide member is configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail body moves between the first position and the second position. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively prevent the guide member from moving along the guide to maintain the siderail body in at least one of the first position and second position

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to a siderail assembly coupled to a person-support apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, one illustrative embodiment relates to a locking mechanism configured to maintain the siderail assembly in at least one position.

Generally, a person-support apparatus can include a siderail that can be configured to move between a first position and a second position. The siderail can be selectively maintained in various positions by a locking mechanism. While various siderails have been developed, there is still room for improvement. Thus a need persists for further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure can include a siderail with a guide member configured to be coupled to a linkage assembly and cooperate with a locking mechanism to maintain the siderail in at least one position. Another illustrative embodiment can include a locking mechanism with a stop member configured to maintain a guide member in a first position in a guide when the siderail is in a first position and selectively allow the guide member to move along the guide when the siderail is moved between the first position and a second position.

Additional features alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims and those described in detail below, can comprise patentable subject matter. Others will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the illustrative examples in the drawings, wherein like numerals represent the same or similar elements throughout:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a person-support apparatus with a siderail coupled thereto according to one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the linkage assembly and locking mechanism coupling the siderail body to a frame;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 showing the stop member, the stop support, the handle, and the guide member passing through the slot in the housing;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism according to another illustrative embodiment where a slide is coupled to the guide member and is configured to move within a slot recessed into the housing of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a perspective partial cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 in a first position with respect to the frame;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the siderail in a first position with the stop member in a first stop position, the guide member in a first guide position, the handle in a first handle position, and the stop support in a first support position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the stop member moving toward a second stop position as the handle moves toward a second handle position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the stop member in the second stop position, the handle in the second handle position, and the stop support in the second support position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the guide member moving along the slot as the siderail moves from the first position toward the second position; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the siderail of FIG. 1 showing the guide member in the second guide position and the siderail in the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the present disclosure can take many different forms, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. No limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Various alterations, further modifications of the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure, as described herein, are contemplated.

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure can include a siderail with a guide member configured to be coupled to a linkage assembly and cooperate with a locking mechanism to maintain the siderail in at least one position. Another illustrative embodiment can include a locking mechanism with a stop member configured to maintain a guide member in a first position in a guide when the siderail is in a first position and selectively allow the guide member to move along the guide when the siderail is moved between the first position and a second position.

A person-support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The person-support apparatus 10 can have a first section F1 or head support section F1, where the head of a person can be positioned and a second section S1 or a foot support section S1, where the feet of the person can be positioned. In one illustrative embodiment, the person-support apparatus 10 can be a hospital bed. It should be appreciated that the person-support apparatus 10 can also be a stretcher or an operating table. The person-support apparatus 10 can include a lower frame 12, a plurality of supports 14 coupled to the lower frame 12, and an upper frame 16 supported on the plurality of supports 14 above the lower frame 12. It should be appreciated that the supports 14 can be lift mechanisms 14 that can move the upper frame 16 with respect to the lower frame 12. It should also be appreciated that in one illustrative embodiment the person-support apparatus 10 can support a person-support surface 18 on the upper frame 16.

The upper frame 16 can include siderails 20 coupled thereto as shown in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the upper frame 16 can also include endboards EB1, such as, for example, a headboard HB1 and/or a footboard FB1, coupled to the first section F1 and/or the second section S1 of the person-support apparatus 10. The siderails 20 can include a siderail body 22, a linkage assembly 24, and a locking mechanism 26 as shown in FIGS. 1-7.

The linkage assembly 24 can be coupled to the siderail body 22 and the upper frame 16 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The linkage assembly 24 can be configured to facilitate movement of the siderails 20 between a first position or a deployed position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position or a storage position shown in FIG. 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the siderails 20 can move counter-clockwise with respect to the upper frame 16 as the siderails 20 move from the deployed position to the storage position. In the deployed position, at least a portion of the siderails 20 can be present above at least a portion of the upper frame 16. In one illustrative embodiment, the top of the siderails 20 can be about 16.25 inches above the upper frame 14 in the deployed position. In the storage position, the siderails 20 can be moved to a lower position where at least a portion of the siderails 20 is below the deployed position. In one illustrative embodiment, the siderails 20 can be about 4 inches above a floor in the storage position. It should be appreciated that the distance between the siderails 20 and a floor can be more or less than about 4 inches depending on the height of the upper frame 16 with respect to a floor.

The linkage assembly 24 can include a first link assembly 28 with a first link 30 and a second link 32, a second link assembly 34 with a third link 36 and a fourth link 38, a guide member 40, and a linkage base 42 as shown in FIG. 2. The first link 30 can be movably coupled to the siderail body 22 and the second link 32. In one illustrative embodiment, a first end portion A1 of the first link 30 can be pivotably coupled to the siderail body 22 at a first joint 44 and a second end portion A2 can be pivotably coupled to a first end portion B1 of the second link 32 at a second joint 46. The second link 32 can be movably coupled to the first link 30 and the linkage base 42. In one illustrative embodiment, the first end portion B1 of the second link 32 can be coupled to the second end portion A2 of the first link 30 at the second joint 46 and a second end portion B2 of the second link 30 can be movably coupled to the linkage base 42 at a third joint 48.

The third link 36 can be movably coupled to the siderail body 22 and the fourth link 38 as shown in FIG. 2. In one illustrative embodiment, a first end portion A3 of the third link 36 can be pivotably coupled to the siderail body 22 at a fourth joint 50 and a second end portion A4 can be pivotably coupled to a first end portion B3 of the fourth link 34 at a fifth joint 52. The third link 36 can be movably coupled to the fourth link 38 and the linkage base 42. In one illustrative embodiment, the first end portion B3 of the fourth link 38 can be coupled to the second end portion A4 of the third link 36 at the fifth joint 52 and a second end portion B4 of the fourth link 38 can be movably coupled to the linkage base 42 at a sixth joint 54.

The guide member 40 can be coupled to the first link assembly 28 and the second link assembly 34, and can be configured to cooperate with the locking mechanism 26 to maintain the siderail 20 in at least one of the first position and the second position. In one illustrative embodiment, the guide member 40 can coupled to the first link assembly 28 at the second joint 46 and can be coupled to the second link assembly 34 at the fifth joint 52 as shown in FIGS. 2-10. It should be appreciated that the guide member 40 can be coupled to the first link 30 or the second link 32 and can be coupled to the third link 36 or the fourth link 38, respectively. It should be appreciated that the guide member 40 can move toward the upper frame 16 as the siderail 20 moves from the deployed position to the storage position. It should also be appreciated that the guide member 40 can move counter-clockwise with the siderail 20 as the siderail 20 moves from the deployed position to the storage position.

The linkage base 42 can be configured to couple the siderail 20 to the upper frame 16 as shown in FIG. 2. The linkage base 42 can be configured to space the siderail body 22 at least a distance D1 from the upper frame 16 as shown in FIG. 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the distance D1 can be about six inches. The linkage base 42 can include a mount 56 and a base link 58 extending from the mount 56. It should be appreciated that the linkage base 42 can include only the mount 56. The mount 56 can be coupled to the upper frame 16 and the base link 58 can be coupled to the second link 32.

The locking mechanism 26 can be configured to selectively allow the siderail assembly 20 to move between the deployed position and the storage position with respect to the upper frame 16. The locking mechanism 26 can include a housing 60, a handle 62, a stop member 64, and a stop support 66 as shown in FIGS. 3-10. The housing 60 can include a first end portion C1, a second end portion C2, a first opening 68 or slot 68, a second opening 70, and an inner chamber 72. The first end portion C1 can be movably coupled to the siderail body 22 at a seventh joint 73 a and the second end portion C2 can be movably coupled to the upper frame 16 at a eighth joint 73 b. The inner chamber 72 can contain the handle 62, the stop member 64, and the stop support 66 therein. The second opening 70 can be configured to provide access to the handle 62.

The slot 68 can define a guide 74 that can be configured to be engaged by the guide member 40 as the guide member 40 moves along the guide 74 between a first guide position and a second guide position as shown in FIGS. 2-10. In one illustrative embodiment, the slot 68 can extend through the housing 60 to define the guide 74 and the guide member 40 can extend through the slot 68 as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5-10. In another illustrative embodiment, the slot 68 can be recessed into the housing 60 to define the guide 74 and the guide member 40 can be configured to be positioned adjacent to the guide 74 and can include a slide 76 configured to be received in the guide 74, as shown in FIG. 4, and move along the guide 74 between a first guide position and a second guide position. The slide 76 can include an opening S01, a protrusion SP1, and flat portion FP1. The guide member 40 can pass through the opening S01. It should be appreciated that the guide member 40 can rotate with respect to the slide 76. The protrusion SP1 can extend from the flat portion FP1 and can be positionable within the guide 76. The protrusion SP1 can be configured to engage the stop member 64 when the guide member 40 is in the first guide position and engage the stop support 66 when the guide member 40 moves toward the first guide position. The flat portion FP1 can be configured to engage a portion of the housing 60 proximate to the slot 74 to prevent the slide 76 from rotating with respect to the housing 60.

The handle 62 can be slidably retained within the housing 60 and can include a grip 78 and a stop member engaging portion 80 as shown in FIGS. 2-10. In one illustrative embodiment, a portion of the grip 78 can extend into the second opening 70 such that the portion of the grip 78 can engage the second opening 70 to define a first handle position, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, and a second handle position, as shown in FIGS. 6-10. It should be appreciated that a portion of the handle 62 can engage portions of the housing 60 to define the first handle position and the second handle position. The stop member engaging portion 80 can be recessed into the handle 62 and can be configured to engage a portion of the stop member 64.

The stop member 64 can be movably coupled to the upper frame 16 and can be configured to move between about a first stop position and about a second stop position with respect to the upper frame 16 as shown in FIGS. 3-10. It should be appreciated that the stop member 64 can be movably coupled within the housing 60. It should also be appreciated that the stop member 64 can be a portion of the handle 62. In one illustrative embodiment, the stop member 64 can be positioned in the guide 74 in the first stop position and can prevent the guide member 40 from moving along the guide 74 when the siderail 20 is in the deployed position. It should be appreciated that the stop member 64 can be configured to maintain the siderail 20 in the storage position or other positions between the deployed position and the storage position.

The stop member 64 can include a first end portion E1 and a second end portion E2 as shown in FIGS. 3-10. In one illustrative embodiment, the first end portion E1 can be movably coupled to the upper frame 16 at the sixth joint 54 and the second end portion E2 can engage the stop member engaging portion 80 of the handle 62, the stop support 66, and/or the guide member 40. The first end portion E1 can include a surface 82 configured to engage a portion of the guide member 40 when the siderail 20 is in the storage position.

The second end portion E2 of the stop member 64 can include a guide member engaging surface 84, a stop support engaging surface 86, and a handle engaging portion 88 as shown in FIGS. 3-10. The guide member engaging surface 84 can be configured to engage a portion of the guide member 40 when the stop member 64 is in the first stop position to prevent the guide member 40 from moving along the guide 74 as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The stop support engaging surface 86 is configured to engage a portion of the stop support 60 when the guide member 40 is in the second stop position as shown in FIGS. 6-10. It should be appreciated that the stop support engaging surface 86 can be angled or curved. The handle engaging portion 88 can be configured to engage the stop member engaging portion 80 of the handle 62 and can be configured to move the stop member 64 between the first stop position and the second stop position as the handle 62 moves between the first handle position and the second handle position.

The stop support 66 can be configured to support the stop member 64 when the stop member 64 is in the second stop position as shown in FIGS. 6-10. It should be appreciated that the stop member 64 can be configured to be supported on the guide member 40 as the guide member 40 moves along the guide 74. The stop support 66 can include a first support portion 90, a second support portion 92, and a third support portion 94. In one illustrative embodiment, the stop support 66 can be triangularly shaped. The first support portion 90 can be movably coupled to the housing 60 at a ninth joint 96 and can be configured to move between a first support position and a second support position. In one illustrative embodiment, the stop support 66 engages the stop support engaging surface 86 of the stop member 62 when the stop support 66 is in the second support position.

The second support portion 92 can be spaced apart a distance D2 from the first support portion 90 and can be configured to engage the stop support engaging surface 86 as shown in FIGS. 6-10. It should be appreciated that the distance D2 can be the distance between the ninth joint 96 and the stop support engaging surface 86 when the stop member 64 is in the second stop position. In one illustrative embodiment, the second support portion 92 can engage the stop support engaging surface 86 when the stop member 64 is in the second stop position and the stop support 66 is in the second support position.

The third support portion 94 can be spaced apart a distance D3 from the first support portion 90 and can be coupled to the handle engaging portion 88 of the stop member 64 by a spring 98. The spring 98 can expand from a first distance K1 when the stop support 66 is the first support position and the handle 62 is in the first handle position to a second distance K2 when the stop support 66 is in the first support position and the handle 62 is in the second handle position. The expansion of the spring 98 from the first distance K1 to the second distance K2 can cause the stop support 66 to rotate about the ninth joint 96 toward/away from the second support position and/or can cause the handle 62 to move from the second handle position to the first handle position.

To move the siderail 20 from the deployed position to the storage position, the handle 62 can be moved from the first handle position to the second handle position, which can cause the stop member 64 to move from the first stop position to the second stop position and can cause the spring 98 to expand from the first distance K1 to the second distance K2. Moving the stop member 64 to the second stop position can allow the guide member 40 to move along the guide 74. The expansion of the spring 98 can cause the stop support 66 to rotate about the ninth joint 96 so that the first support portion 90 is positioned proximate the stop support engaging surface 86 of the stop member 64 and maintains the stop member 64 in the second stop position.

With the stop member 64 in the second position, the guide member 40 can be free to move along the guide 74. As the siderail 20 moves from the deployed position to the storage position, the guide member 40 can move toward the upper frame 16 along the guide 74. When the guide member 40 reaches the second guide position, the siderail assembly 20 can be in the storage position and the guide member 40 can contact an end of the guide 74. It should be appreciated that the guide member 40 can contact the end of the guide 74 to prevent further rotation.

To move the siderail 20 from the storage position to the deployed position, the siderail 20 can be rotated clockwise with respect to the frame 16. As the siderail 20 moves from the storage position to the deployed position, the guide member 40 can move along the guide 74 from the second guide position toward the first guide position. As the guide member 40 moves toward the first guide position, the guide member 40 can engage a portion of the stop support 66 and urge the stop support 66 to move about the ninth joint 96 from the second guide position to the first guide position. The movement of the stop support 66 about the ninth joint 96 from the second guide position to the first guide position can cause the first support portion 90 to disengage from the stop support engaging surface 86 of the stop member 64 and can cause the spring 98 to expand from the first distance K1 to the second distance K2. The expansion of the spring 98 can cause the stop member 64 to move from the second stop position to the first stop position, which can move the handle 62 from the second handle position to the first handle position. When the stop member 64 reaches the first stop position, the stop member 64 can engage the guide member 40 and prevent the guide member 40 from moving along the guide 74 to maintain the siderail 20 in the deployed position.

Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a siderail assembly comprises a siderail body, a siderail linkage, and a locking mechanism. The siderail linkage is configured to movably couple the siderail body to a frame of a person-support apparatus. The siderail linkage is configured to move the siderail body between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The siderail linkage includes a guide member. The locking mechanism includes a housing with a slot that defines a guide. The guide member is configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail body moves between the first position and the second position. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively prevent the guide member from moving along the guide to maintain the siderail body in at least one of the first position and the second position.

In another example, a siderail locking mechanism comprises a housing, a guide member, a stop member, and a stop support. The housing includes a slot defining a guide with a first end and a second end. The guide member is coupled to a siderail linkage assembly and is configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position. The stop member is configured to move between a first stop position and a second stop position with respect to the housing. The stop member is configured to selectively prevent movement of the guide member along the guide when the stop member is in the first stop position. The stop support is configured to move between a first support position and a second support position. The stop support is configured to maintain the stop member in the second stop position when the stop support is in the second support position. The guide member is configured to contact the stop support and move the stop support from the second support position to the first support position as the guide member moves along the guide toward the first guide position.

In yet another example, a method of moving a siderail between a first position to a second position comprises moving a handle from a first handle position to a second handle position to actuate a locking mechanism; moving a stop member from a first stop position to a second stop position and a stop support from a first support position to a second support position as the handle moves from a first handle position to a second handle position, the stop support being configured to maintain the stop member in the second position when the stop support is in the second position; and moving a guide member along a guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail moves between the first position to the second position, the stop member being configured to maintain the guide member in the first guide position when the stop member is in the first stop position.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless can not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles could have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and various combinations of inventive aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above. 

1. A siderail assembly, comprising: a siderail body, a siderail linkage configured to movably couple the siderail body to a frame of a person-support apparatus, the siderail linkage being configured to move the siderail body between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame, the siderail linkage including a guide member; and a locking mechanism including a housing with a slot that defines a guide, the guide member being configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail body moves between the first position and the second position, the locking mechanism being configured to selectively prevent the guide member from moving along the guide to maintain the siderail body in at least one of the first position and the second position.
 2. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the siderail linkage includes a link assembly, the guide member being coupled to the link assembly and configured to move along the guide as the link assembly moves with respect to the frame.
 3. The siderail assembly of claim 2, wherein the link assembly includes a first link and a second link, the first link being movably coupled to the siderail body at a first joint and movably coupled to the second link at a second joint, the guide member being coupled to the link assembly at the second joint.
 4. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the siderail linkage includes a first link assembly and a second link assembly, the first link assembly and the second link assembly being movably coupled to the siderail body, the locking mechanism being movably coupled to the siderail body and positioned between the first link assembly and the second link assembly.
 5. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the siderail linkage includes a first link assembly and a second link assembly, the first link assembly and the second link assembly being movably coupled to the siderail body, the guide member being coupled to the first link assembly and the second link assembly and extending therebetween.
 6. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the siderail linkage includes a first link assembly and a second link assembly, the first link assembly includes a first link and a second link and the second link assembly includes a third link and a fourth link, a first portion of the first link being movably coupled to a first portion of the siderail body at a first joint and a second portion of the first link being movably coupled to a first portion of the second link at a second joint, a first portion of the third link being movably coupled to a second portion of the siderail body at a third joint and a second portion of the third link being movably coupled to a first portion of the fourth link at a fourth joint, the guide member being coupled to the first link assembly at the second joint and the second link assembly at the fourth joint.
 7. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide member moves along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail body moves between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame, wherein the guide member is spaced apart from the frame a first distance when the guide member is in the first guide position and spaced apart from the frame a second distance when the guide member is in the second guide position, wherein the first distance is not equal to the second distance.
 8. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide member moves in a counter clock-wise direction with respect to the frame as the siderail body moves from the first position to the second position.
 9. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot is recessed into the housing.
 10. The siderail assembly of claim 1 further comprising a slide with an opening and a protrusion, the guide member being configured to pass through the opening and the protrusion being configured to move along the slot, the slot being recessed into the housing.
 11. The siderail assembly of claim 10, wherein the guide member is configured to rotate with respect to the slide.
 12. The siderail assembly of claim 10, wherein the slide includes a substantially flat portion configured to engage the housing of the locking mechanism to prevent the slide from rotating with respect to the locking mechanism.
 13. The siderail assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot is an opening that extends through the housing.
 14. A siderail locking mechanism, comprising: a housing with a slot defining a guide having a first end and a second end; a guide member coupled to a siderail linkage assembly and configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position; a stop member configured to move between a first stop position and a second stop position with respect to the housing, the stop member being configured to selectively prevent movement of the guide member along the guide when the stop member is in the first stop position; and a stop support configured to move between a first support position and a second support position, the stop support being configured to maintain the stop member in the second stop position when the stop support is in the second support position, the guide member being configured to contact the stop support and move the stop support from the second support position to the first support position as the guide member moves along the guide toward the first guide position.
 15. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14 further comprising a handle configured to move between a first handle position and a second handle position, the stop member being configured to be moved by the handle between the first stop position and the second stop position.
 16. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14 further comprising a handle configured to move between a first handle position and a second handle position, the handle being coupled to the stop support by an elastic member.
 17. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the stop member is positioned within the guide when the stop member is in the first stop position.
 18. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein the stop member and the stop support are positioned within the inner chamber.
 19. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein the slot is recessed into the housing.
 20. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein the slot is an opening that extends through the housing.
 21. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein the guide member is coupled to a first link assembly and a second link assembly, the housing being positioned between the first link assembly and the second link assembly.
 22. The siderail locking mechanism of claim 14, wherein the housing is movably coupled to a frame of a person-support apparatus and a siderail body.
 23. The siderail assembly of claim 14 further comprising a slide with an opening and a protrusion, the guide member being configured to pass through the opening and the protrusion being configured to move along the slot, the slot being recessed into the housing.
 24. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the guide member is configured to rotate with respect to the slide.
 25. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the slide includes a substantially flat portion configured to engage the housing of the locking mechanism to prevent the slide from rotating with respect to the locking mechanism.
 26. A method of moving a siderail between a first position to a second position, comprising: moving a handle from a first handle position to a second handle position to actuate a locking mechanism; moving a stop member from a first stop position to a second stop position and a stop support from a first support position to a second support position as the handle moves from a first handle position to a second handle position, the stop support being configured to maintain the stop member in the second position when the stop support is in the second position; and moving a guide member along a guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail moves between the first position to the second position, the stop member being configured to maintain the guide member in the first guide position when the stop member is in the first stop position.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of pushing the stop support from the second position to the first position with the guide member as the guide member moves toward the first position, the stop support disengaging the stop member as the stop support moves from the second position to the first position, the stop member moving from the second position to the first position to prevent the guide member from moving along the guide.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein an elastic member is coupled to the handle and stop support, the elastic member causing the stop support to rotate about a first axis from a first support position to a second support position as the handle translates from the first handle position to the second handle position, the elastic member causing the handle to translate from the second handle position to the first handle position as the stop support rotates about the first axis from the second support position to the first support position. 